The death toll from a Sudanese military aircraft crash in Omdurman has risen to at least 46, with several others injured. The Antonov plane crashed shortly after taking off, damaging homes in the area. This incident is part of a broader context of ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, raising concerns over aviation safety and military engagements between factions.
The death toll from the recent crash of a Sudanese military aircraft in Omdurman has risen to at least 46 individuals, making it one of the city’s deadliest aviation incidents in the last two decades. The Antonov plane went down on Tuesday in a populated area, injuring an additional 10 people according to the government-run Khartoum Media Office, with the health ministry initially reporting 19 fatalities.
The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from the Wadi Sayidna air base, located north of Omdurman, which neighbors the capital city of Khartoum. The incident caused significant damage to residential properties in the Karrari district and has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region. The military confirmed that both armed forces personnel and civilians perished in the crash, but did not disclose further casualty details or possible causes.
Reports indicate that the aircraft was intended for a flight to Port Sudan, the military-supported government’s headquarters, when it tragically crashed over the Al-Thawra neighborhood. Witnesses described the harrowing sounds of explosions and subsequent columns of smoke and dust that enveloped Omdurman following the disaster. It is reported that the plane carried high-ranking military officials, although this has not been officially verified.
Aircraft accidents are unfortunately frequent in Sudan, primarily due to the country’s inadequate aviation safety measures. Just two years prior, a military plane crash in Darfur resulted in the loss of 16 lives. Historically, Sudan has witnessed catastrophic aviation accidents, such as a 2003 incident where 116 individuals lost their lives when a civilian plane attempted an emergency landing.
Since 2023, Sudan has experienced intensified civil conflict sparked by clashes between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This unrest has devastated urban locations and has been marked by severe violations of human rights, leading to widespread atrocities routinely condemned as war crimes. The RSF has recently claimed responsibility for downing a military aircraft in Nyala, located in South Darfur.
In summary, the tragic crash of a Sudanese military aircraft has resulted in a significant loss of life, with the death toll reaching at least 46 individuals and highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding aviation safety in Sudan. Amid the current civil unrest, the increase in violence and conflict continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation remains precarious as reports of military engagement and casualties persist.
Original Source: www.nsnews.com
